Help! My cat is ruining my furniture!

by Lisa FeigenJune 25, 2018

Anyone who has a cat, and even those that don’t, know that cats like to scratch. If furniture could talk, your couch would tell you that cat claws are worse than a thousand samurai swords. Cat owners love their house tigers and even though furniture is replaceable and some scratch marks can be hidden, wouldn't it be nice to prevent this from happening?

Why do cats scratch?

First, let’s take a look at why our cats feel the need to scratch so much. There are many reasons why cats like to scratch: from marking their territory (their scratch actually leaves a smell), to filing their nails, or simply as a part of their stretching routine. When they scratch your furniture, they’re not doing it as an act of defiance (For sure some of them do!). Instead, they’re simply following their instinct, and doing what a cat is meant to do. The answer, therefore, lies not in preventing your cat from scratching, but rather in training your cat to scratch on an object of your choice.

Find the purrrfect scratching object(s)

Find a sturdy scratching post that fits your cats needs. There are many different models: Some of them are simply to scratch, others your cat can climb on, play with and sleep in. One scratching post is fine, but the more the better. Place the posts where your cat is most likely to go, especially near the furniture they tend to scratch the most. Scratching posts come in all shapes and sizes so better do some research before deciding which one to get. Here are some examples:

Do you want a creative and unique scratching post that your cat loves and that fits your house perfectly? We can design for you custom made, handcrafted & space conscious cat furniture that is exactly the way that makes you (and most importantly your cats) happy.

My cat ignores the new scratching post, what do I do?

If your cat is not using the new posts yet, show them how to scratch it with your hands, by rubbing it with some catnip or by placing their favorite toys nearby. But beware: never force your cat to go to the new scratching post - this will have the adverse effect.

Trim their nails

Use the link below to help you learn how to best trim your cat's nails:

Starting this from a young age is the most advisable, because the older they get the harder it will be to get them to sit still. Keeping them calm, and using a good nail kit is essential. Some tips to keep in mind: Pet your cat’s paws until it feels calm, and don’t feel discouraged if this takes a lot longer than you hoped. The best time to try would be after your cat has eaten or after he/she is tired from playtime. If you make the nail-trimming a routine it will become easier from time to time. Always keep your cat on your lap, facing away from you, with its paw in one hand and the clippers in the other. Only take off a little, just to get rid of the sharp edges. Reward your cat on every step of the trimming process with a treat so that they start to associate claw trimming with something positive. Don't ever think about declawing your cat as it is cruel and inhumane (it is basically like cutting their fingers off ).

Understand that cats scratch

Once you understand that this is simply part of their natural behavior (and not something to punish them for), the easier it will be to find a solution. Always be patient as teaching them how not to claw your furniture is not going to happen overnight. Good luck!